Dutch Japa Retreat May 2009

Dandavat Pranams
All Glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.
This years Dutch Japa retreat took place in the very beautiful ashram of Sada Siva Dham.
Set deep within the forest, the devotees were able to find time to chant their japa in a natural setting.
The exchanges between the devotees grew more sweet as the time passed, and the Hari Katha thickened in intensity with everyones participation each passing day.
I am personally so inspired to see the power of the Holy name regularly lift all participants to newer and newer realizations and strengths in their Krishna consciousness.
I believe these retreats to be a powerful stimulus to connect so much more significantly with Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhus' mission in this fallen age of Kali.
The Holy name and talks of Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga naturally bring everyone closer to our ultimate goal of serving the Divine couples fragrant Lotus feet.
Srila Gurudeva Ki Jaya!!
Vaisnava dasanudasa
BV Tridandi Swami

What follows are the devotees expressions of appreciation for a week well spent,

Hare Krishna
Dandavat Pranamas. All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.
This Japa retreat has really inspired me to continue more enthusiastically along this path of bhakti, which is the most wonderful, lovely and inconceivable adventure of my life!
A very powerful program, from early morning ‘till evening, with beautiful explanations about Krsna consciousness, philosophy and stories about the most wonderful pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna to meditate on.
I’ve become more aware of the special mission of Lord Caitanya and this is so inspiring for me.
Then so much sweet kirtan, and great prasadam. As well as all the personal chanting and so much more, I can’t say all.
Wow, this is the way! Actually I have no words to express myself about the beauty of Krsna consciousness, and the gratitude I feel towards Sri Guru and Sri Sri Radha Krsna.
Thank you for everything.
Your servant
Yammuna Devi Dasi (Amsterdam)

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I am a reporter and writing a book about retreats, so I’ve visited quite a few places already, Christian monks, Buddhists etc.
When I came here I expected to find a bunch of freaks, but I’ve never felt more welcome in group of strange people before. I could totally be me during a very inspiring and enlightening week.
Thank you all.
Miriam Van Biemen. (publisher and author living in Amsterdam).

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Because of this Bhakti retreat program I am not afraid anymore for the future.
Thank you Maharaja, I will always remember Srila Gurudeva and Sri Vrindavana.

Sincerely, Gita Devi Dasi (Amsterdam)

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All glories to Sri Gaura Sundara.
This retreat was marvellous and I’m so inspired and happy to back on track again.
Every time I hear the Hari Katha I remember Srila Gurudeva.
Now I strongly desire to reduce my television watching and long phone conversations.
Because the group is small and intimate I feel comfortable showing my true self.
This japa meditation has given me has so much strength to understand the supreme truth and wisdom presented, but even more, it has opened a window to the meaning of our path of love and devotion.
Gurudeva distributes so much wealth I can cry!
I hope with all my heart to attend many more japa retreats.
Thank you Maharaja.
With love and affection.
Premalata devi dasi. (Amsterdam)

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When Tridandi Maharaja asked us if we were willing to organize a japa retreat in Holland, we felt instantly that we had to do this.
When I read Jaiva Dharma, I understood that this chanting is the core practice I must improve on.
Reconnecting with Krishna and my spiritual being, is all I long for. Chanting is really the essence.
It seemed to me that the whole group was completely uplifted. This must be the real meaning of sadhu sanga.
Also I received a much deeper understanding of what I’m really doing here in this world, and this has given me so much motivation to continue my practice carefully and learn to become steady in it.
The difference between dusting furniture and the mirror of the heart, is that the furniture gets quickly dusty again, yet my heart seems able to get progressively cleaner and over a period of time, perhaps stay that way.
When I came to the retreat I was fearing getting my recurring headaches by getting up at 4.30 in the morning, but to my happiness and surprise, they never bothered me and I was easily able to have only 5 hours comfortable sleep each night and felt great!
I learned so much personally by organizing this retreat, and felt very blessed when listening to all the devotees express their satisfaction with the arrangements.
I think that now I have become an addict for these retreats, I feel I have really made some life changing progress.
I thank Gurudeva for educating such a wonderful sannyasi.
When I hear Maharaja speak, because he doesn’t have the Hindi accent, it is easier for me to understand.
I pray that my progress and steadiness will continue.
Dandavats to Sila Gurudeva and Maharaja, and please bless us that we will continuously have Radha and Krishna’s mercy.
Hare Krishna.
Lalita Kishori Dasi . Organizer (Anaheim)

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This week the retreat has inspired me to chant so much than before, and experience its intensity.
Also I feel inspired to take my sadhana more seriously, for example, to rise earlier in the morning and not waste time, and to utilize more of my time for valuable spiritual pursuits, rather than things not favourable for my progress on this special path.
It has helped me to remember and think about Sri Guru, Sri Vaisnavas, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Radha Krishna throughout the day.
I have understood a little now that I am not the enjoyer, but Sri Krishna is. So I will try to honestly increase my service to Him, and to follow the example of His beloved Sri Radha’s dedicated service mood.
This week for me, was like a week at a Hare Krishna festival, except this was with a smaller group, but the same inspiration was there for me.
I also know that for sure, I need to attend these retreats regularly.
Thank you again and again Maharaja.
Srila Gurudeva ki Jaya!!!
Your servant Abhinanda dasa (Amsterdam)

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This bhakti retreat has greatly inspired me to seek more sadhu sanga.
I realize that by sadhu sanga my Krishna consciousness has made so much rapid progress in this short time. Sadhu Sanga is essential for my spiritual life, without sadhu sanga progress is impossible and my spiritual life goes backwards. With Sadhu sanga, all the spiritual practices become easy and natural for me. It’s not a sacrifice like when I’m home alone without many devotees.
Jaya Sadhu Sanga
Your servant Murari Gupta dasa (Amsterdam)

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I am very inspired to be engaged in chanting and remembering Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.
Under the guidance of such a nice devotee as Bhaktivedanta Tridandi Maharaja, I see a wonderful example of Srila Gurudeva’s unlimited mercy upon me.
I feel like now I have the strength to continue my devotional practices again.
I will remove my television to the attic (or maybe to the pawn shop).
This retreat has really washed a lot of negative thoughts and desires from my heart.
So 16 rounds minimum and 3 Gayatri mantras a day. Clean my Gopal diety regularly, study Arcana Dipika and really try to honour Srila Gurudeva everyday with every minute, every second and with all my life airs, so that one day I may truly serve His devotees who are so dear to Him.
Srila Bhativedanta Narayana Goswami Maharaja Ki Jaya!!!
Your servant always Haridasa dasa (Amsterdam)

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This week has inspired me greatly.
I found answers to so many of my questions. It feels as if the door I was trying to open has finally opened and I can start my journey which will bring me, with Srila Gurudevas mercy, closer to Sri Radha and Krishna’s lotus feet.
Great week!!
Your servant Mohini Dasi (Amsterdam).

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How amazing! I was being totally tossed around by my material desires, I really needed this boost for my consciousness so much.
All the classes were very enlivening and although my mind has much difficulty to hold onto information, still the overall experience impressed me tremendously. Especially in focusing and directing my wandering desires.
This is surely the result of my increased bhajan.
Until next time Maharaja…
Thank you.
Srila Gurudeva Ki Jaya!!
Anadi Krsna Dasa (Amsterdam)

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A great week Maharaja!
Japa back on track. These retreats are really a must for me now.
All affection to everyone.
Srila Gurudeva Ki Jaya!!
Lilavati Devi Dasi (Glastonbury, England)

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After I decided to go to the japa retreat I kept my doubts if it was the right decision. But now I’m so happy I was here this week.
It is an apocalypse to know that there is an ocean of unconditional love available!
I have never realized this before. My view of God has really changed from what I originally thought. That past I can now delete, maybe I already did.
This week was impressive and overwhelming by what I felt and what I heard.
I saw a snake yesterday in the forest, and I think it means transformation, and this mirrors what I feel is going on inside me.
I feel I have gained a great gift, and it is not yet over I think.
I feel while I’m chanting sometimes what I’m missing and what I’m longing for, which has always been love for Radha and Krishna.
I’m grateful to Tridandi Maharaja that you’ve brought this knowledge to me about Krishna and show the love for Him.
I thank all of the people here for doing your part and inspiring each other and paying attention when necessary to each other.
And especially to Lalita and Premalatta who have tirelessly organized the whole thing
Srila Gurudeva Ki Jaya.
Hare Krishna
Irene de Bruyn (Amsterdam)

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Wonderful boost Maharaja. Beyond words.
A truly, inspiring and “conscious boundary breaking” experience.
I am inspired to tighten everything.
I’m already looking forward to the next retreat.
Jaya Sri Radhe
Jaya Gurudeva.
Your servant
Kesava Dasa (Glastonbury, England)